Rio Ferdinand has questioned why Mauricio Pochettino would return to Tottenham Hotspur after their shocking 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday as he continues to be linked with the Chelsea manager position. The former Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain boss has been without a job since July 2022 after parting ways with the French outfit.
Julian Nagelsmann had been the leading candidate to replace Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge but has since pulled out of the race after having 'serious' concerns about the club's recruitment process. Vincent Kompany and Ange Postecoglou are among the final three candidates being considered by the Blues.
Pochettino was previously interviewed for the position at Chelsea following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, but co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali chose to appoint Potter. football.london understands that the club have held positive talks with Pochettino regarding taking over from Potter.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino to Chelsea latest: Positive talks, players' stance, Todd Boehly boost
Following Spurs' abysmal performance against the Magpies on Sunday, Manchester United legend Ferdinand has questioned why Pochettino would return to N17 ahead of taking the job at Stamford Bridge. Ferdinand told FIVE : “Spurs are in a bad place.
“We look at Chelsea. Are they in a bad place? Would you want to go and manage that, when you look at that pool of players?
"Would you want to take that over? They are talking about Kompany, they are talking about Nagelsmann, they are talking about Pochettino maybe going back.”
Tottenham are still in with a chance to secure Champions League qualification next term but the club are in disarray after sacking Antonio Conte, with director of football Fabio Paratici leaving his role with the club as well. Chelsea are languishing further down the Premier League table and are unlikely to qualify for any European football next term, with Boehly facing a huge summer transfer window ahead as many players could leave Stamford Bridge to reduce the club's wage bill and abide Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
Six months ago, the 51-year-old opened up on his future, possibly hinting at why a move to SW6 is perfect. He said in November 2022: "I miss the Premier League.
"Why not [return to England]? We are open. I love England, I love living in London and Barcelona. And, of course, if that possibility [to return] appears for sure we will consider taking it."
Pochettino would clearly want to return to England but whether that is back to Spurs or a new challenge at London rivals Chelsea remains to be seen.
READ NEXT:
Mauricio Pochettino to Chelsea truth revealed as Julian Nagelsmann alternative search continues
Next Chelsea manager: Zinedine Zidane makes major decision on future after Stamford Bridge links
Next Chelsea manager: Players' stance on Mauricio Pochettino revealed amid positive talks
Man City prepare £30m transfer 'swoop' after Chelsea move blocked
Mauricio Pochettino already has new Chelsea answer to Harry Kane and it's not Romelu Lukaku
